Traffic Safety News – Thanksgiving Gatherings

The night before Thanksgiving is often one for celebrating.  Whether you are hosting a gathering of family and friends before the big meal or after, it is the responsibility of the host to make sure that each car leaving the party has a designated, sober driver.  Here are some helpful suggestions for your celebration:

  • De-emphasize alcohol by creating alternative activities.  If your guests are busy having fun, they are not busy drinking.  Fun activities aren’t just for kids… pull the box games out of the closet!
  • Always serve food.  Is the centerpiece of your party the food?  Encourage guests to eat a variety of foods that are high in protein.  Meats and cheeses are great choices that slow the absorption of alcohol into the blood stream.  Add shrimp cocktail, smoked fish, and crab dip to the line-up and your party is sure to be a hit.
  • Don’t make the bar the main attraction. Place the bar in an out of the way spot and consider appointing someone responsible to measure and pour alcohol.
  • Offer a variety of non-alcoholic beverages.  It’s never been easier to offer a selection of non-alcoholic drinks, ranging from alcohol-free beer and wine, to punch and sparking waters, to fruit smoothies.
  • Party’s end.  Stop serving alcohol at least one hour before guests leave.  Only time can reduce the amount of alcohol in one’s system.

Remind friends and family that you can’t hide from a DUI – but – you can avoid getting one in the first place. Don’t ever let someone you know get behind the wheel after they have been drinking.  Always remember this simple tip: if you are going out and plan to drink, then plan for a sober driver too.

 

Drive Sober.  Arrive Alive DE.

This message was sent to you by the Office of Highway Safety, who asks you to drive safely at all times.  For more information on this and other traffic safety programs, go to www.ohs.delaware.gov


Traffic Safety News – Even in costume…you can’t hide from a DUI

Halloween is just days away.  By now you have probably picked out a costume.  It is likely that you know where you are going and who you are going to meet there.  But, have you decided how you are going to get home if you plan to drink alcohol?

Get the Facts

If you have plans to go out this weekend, take a few minutes right now to plan a safe ride home. It’s easy, if you plan ahead.

  • Designate a sober driver.  Are you going out with a group of friends?  The person with the keys should be the person who has made the choice not to drink. Identify yourself as a designated driver, and some establishments will provide soft drinks free of charge.
  • Program the number of a taxi service in your phone.  For a list of taxi numbers in your area, go to www.duirealtime.com.
  • Use the buddy system.  Exchange numbers with a co-worker, and make a pact to help each other out.  It doesn’t matter if you’ve had one too many or a lot too many.  Having a safe ride benefits everyone.

By planning ahead, you can avoid the unnecessary legal issues and embarrassment that go along with a DUI arrest and conviction, including:

  • Loss of license.
  • Fines, court costs, and attorney fees averaging $6,300.
  • Possible jail time.
  • Mandatory alcohol and drug counseling.
  • Possible ignition interlock device placed in your vehicle.
  • Higher insurance rates.
  • Time off work for court appearances.

Even in costume…you can’t hide from a DUI.  Why? Because choosing to drink and drive has long-lasting consequences.  A DUI will follow you everywhere.

Drive Sober.  Arrive Alive DE.

This message was sent to you by the Office of Highway Safety, who asks you to drive safely at all times.  For more information on this and other traffic safety programs, go to www.ohs.delaware.gov


Traffic Safety News – Drive Safely to Work Week

Every October, OHS partners with the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) to promote Drive Safely to Work Week (DSWW). This year’s campaign is being observed October 7-11.  The theme is “Gear Up for Safe Driving” which focuses on aspects of driver safety that occur before you even start the engine.

Get the Facts

In this year’s DSWW tool kit, NETS has provided tips to help you get to work safely, not only this week but every week of the year.

  • Be at your best behind the wheel.  You don’t show up for work sick, stressed, and distracted so why would you drive that way?  Plan ahead for a safe drive to work each day.  Get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and remember to take a deep breath if you’re feeling rushed. 
  • Take a clear look.  You can’t avoid a hazardous situation, if you can’t see it in time. If you haven’t had an eye exam recently, it might be time to schedule one.   
  • Keep your body properly fueled, well-oiled, and energized.  Good physical conditioning and healthy eating habits keep your mind alert, and your body flexible for the task of driving.
  • Take care of your vehicle so it can take care of you.    Brakes and tires need to be in good working order.  Become familiar with your vehicle.  And, have a breakdown plan in the event of an emergency.
  • Gear up for safe driving.  Secure your passengers and yourself with a properly fitting seatbelt, and secure your cargo for the ride.  

One last tip: Be cautious about using over-the-counter and prescription drugs while driving.  Did you know the medication you take to manage sleep, pain, blood pressure, and even allergies can impair your ability to drive?   For those who take medication, AAA has developed a website http://roadwiserx.com  where you can assess your driving risk.

For more information on Drive Safely to Work Week and to obtain a free tool kit, go to the NETS website at www.trafficsafety.org.

Drive Safe.  Arrive Alive DE.

 

This message is being sent to you by the Office of Highway Safety, who asks you to drive safely at all times.  For more information on this and other traffic safety programs, go to www.ohs.delaware.gov

 


Traffic Safety News – Driver Behavior Survey

It only takes a few minutes on the highway to know that people drive in all different ways.  Some drive fast.  Some drive slow.  Some choose to follow the rules of the road, while others do not.  Today, OHS is asking …what do you think about the way that you drive?

Get the Facts

Driving is serious business, but for most of us, it has been many years since we sat behind the wheel for the first time. Do you remember the things that you learned in Driver’s Ed class?  Though laws change, the basics of safe driving behavior are the same now as they were then.

  • Buckle Up.  It’s the first thing you should do when you get in the car each and every time.  Day and Night.
  • Drive Sober.   Never get behind the wheel when you are impaired by drugs or alcohol.  Period.
  • Share the Road.  Be aware of what is going on around you.  Look and listen for motorcycles.  And remember to always look twice when changing lanes and pulling out from a stop.
  • Don’t be That Guy.   Don’t turn into the aggressive person who speeds, runs red lights, and weaves through traffic.  Practice patience behind the wheel.  And always obey the posted speed limit and traffic signs.
  • Watch for Pedestrians.  Everywhere you go, keep your eyes open for people walking near the roadway. Never assume that they will wait for you to pass.  Always be ready to stop.

OHS wants to know your views on traffic safety throughout the state by taking this short, anonymous survey.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/OHS2013Survey

As our way of saying “thank you”, you may submit your name and contact information at the end of the survey for a chance to win 2 tickets to one of the 3 races in September at the Monster Mile, OHS Drive Sober team racing apparel (hats, shirts, lanyards, etc.), or tickets to Firefly 2014!

Drive Safe.  Arrive Alive DE.

This message is being sent to you by the Office of Highway Safety, who asks you to drive safely at all times.  For more information on this and other traffic safety programs, go to www.ohs.delaware.gov.  

 


Traffic Safety News – You Can’t Hide from a DUI

A DUI will follow you everywhere.  No matter where you go.  No matter what you do.  It’s a choice that has long-lasting consequences.

What you need to know

Each time a person chooses to drink and drive, there is a very real possibility of arrest, injury, and even death. Consider the following:

  • In 2012, 48 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes on Delaware roads.  This represents almost half of all persons
    killed on Delaware roads last year.
  • In the same year, more than 4,300 people in Delaware were arrested for DUI.

The Office of Highway Safety and our law enforcement partners will be coordinating extra DUI enforcement efforts this month and throughout the summer.

What you can do

Each person who is arrested and convicted of DUI faces the following consequences:

  • Loss of license.
  • Fines, court costs, and attorney fees averaging $6,300.
  • Possible jail time.
  • Mandatory alcohol and drug counseling.
  • Possible ignition interlock device placed in your vehicle.
  • Higher insurance rates.
  • Time off work for court appearances.

You can’t hide from a DUI.  Avoid one at all costs.  Designate a sober driver.

Drive Sober.  Arrive Alive DE.

This message was sent to you by the Office of Highway Safety, who asks you to drive safely at all times.  For more information on this and other traffic safety programs, go to www.ohs.delaware.gov.